These apple cinnamon rolls are warm, gooey, and packed with sweet apples and cinnamon. They make for a perfect breakfast treat or a cozy dessert!
Your kitchen will smell amazing while they bake! I love enjoying these fresh with a drizzle of icing on top. Trust me, it’s hard to eat just one! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This yeast is crucial for making the dough rise. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with instant yeast using the same amount. Just mix it directly into your dry ingredients!
Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast. If you’re dairy-free, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk work great as alternatives.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness. For a sweeter option, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are perfect. You can also replace apples with pears or even a mix of both!
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a nice flavor, but you can use granulated sugar or dark brown sugar for a richer taste. If you’re avoiding sugar, coconut sugar is a good alternative.
Pecans or Walnuts: These add crunch and flavor, but you can leave them out or use almonds or cashews instead. For nut-free, consider adding some oats or seeds!
How Do I Make Sure My Dough Rises Properly?
Proper dough rising is crucial for fluffy cinnamon rolls. Here’s what I recommend:
- Use fresh yeast: Be sure your yeast is not expired. Fresh yeast bubbles up nicely when stirred with warm milk.
- Find a warm spot: Yeast loves warmth! Place your dough in a warm room or oven (turned off) with just the light on.
- Cover it: Use a clean towel or plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in and helps the dough rise faster.
If the dough doubles in size, you’re on the right track! Don’t rush this step; it’s key for airy rolls!
How to Make Delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 2 hours in total. You will need about 20 minutes for preparation, then 1 hour for the dough to rise, and finally around 25-30 minutes for baking. Lastly, let’s not forget some time to enjoy them fresh out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Once mixed, add in the foamy yeast mixture and stir everything together until well-combined.
3. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the flour to your mixture, stirring until you have a dough. Now it’s time to knead! Dust your surface with flour and knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Let It Rise:
Put your kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. Place the bowl in a warm area and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
5. Make the Filling:
While you’re waiting for the dough, grab a skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the apples are nice and tender. If you’re adding nuts, toss them in last and let the mixture cool slightly.
6. Assemble the Rolls:
Once your dough is risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring 16×12 inches. Evenly spread the apple cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough.
7. Roll It Up:
Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
8. Prepare to Bake:
Place the slices, cut-side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving some space between each roll for them to rise again. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and deliciously fragrant!
10. Make the Icing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This icing is the perfect finishing touch!
11. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. Then drizzle the icing over the warm rolls. Serve them up, and enjoy every gooey, sweet bite!
Can I Use Any Type of Apples for the Filling?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a mix. Just choose your favorite for a delicious flavor!
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to the yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated properly in warm milk. If that doesn’t work, check if the environment is warm enough, or try extending the rising time by an additional 20-30 minutes.
Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls the Night Before?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of cutting and placing them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results!